OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro vs Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro for macro, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 for wide-angle.

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 30mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot close-ups — 1.25x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
  • You value portability — at 128g (4.5 oz) it's lighter than the 160g (5.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — different framing and reach.
  • Close-up: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro reaches 1.25x magnification vs 0.2x — more for close-up and macro work.

Frequently asked

Is the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro or the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 better?

These cover different focal lengths — the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro for macro, the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 for wide-angle.

Who should choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro?

Choose the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro if you need more reach — it goes to 30mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.25x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you value portability — at 128g (4.5 oz) it's lighter than the 160g (5.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5?

Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 if you shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 30mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.

What is the main difference between the OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro and the Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5?

Focal range: OM System M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm f/3.5 Macro is 30mm, Panasonic LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm f/3.5 is 8mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length30mm8mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements1010
Optical Groups86
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/3.5f/3.5
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades77
Rounded ApertureNoNo
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Lens MountMicro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
Angle of View40°107°
35mm Equivalent60-60mm16-16mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingDC
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance10 cm10 cm
Max Magnification1.25x0.2x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$299$349
Filter Size46mm
Diameter55.5mm63.4mm
Length63mm54mm
Weight128g (4.5 oz)160g (5.6 oz)
Weather SealedNoNo
Tripod CollarNoNo